The first
project of the year focused on the application of digital skills, with the aim
of providing me with the opportunity to learn the techniques associated with
professional graphic design practices. In order to achieve this aim a number of
learning outcomes were implemented to assure my understanding and knowledge of
the area. The learning outcomes were as followed:
-
Demonstrate industry standard practices in the application of
digital techniques.
-
Apply appropriate digital techniques in the realisation of a
graphic design product
-
Evaluate
the application of digital technology in relation to originating, manipulating
and realising graphic design work to a professional standard.
Whilst the
actual outcome of this unit was not particular strong I was able to develop my
digital skills greatly. Through the completion of small tasks in relation to
learning outcome one and two, I was able to learn the correct use of software
such as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign (the knowledge of which I am still
using to this day). As a result I able to use the potential of these programs
to my advantage in order to produce a greater quality of work at a professional
standard. With the final learning outcome it has gave me the ability to analyse
the use of digital skills within other pieces of work and an insight into the
software potentially used and whether or not it was the right choice.
Over the
course of the digital skills project the importance of software such as the
Adobe Suite was made apparent. It was made clear that the ability to utilise
such software is a vital skill that is needed in the industry of today. When
used correctly it can greatly aid in the execution of an idea or enhance a
final outcome. It was stated that the ability to use such software can greatly
increase the chances of employment therefore it is also an important skill to
be recorded on a CV.
The second module
centered on the design of packaging which aimed to provide me with the opportunities
to develop creative and technical skills in packaging design. As with the
previous module, evidence of my understanding of this area was measured through
the three learning outcomes.
-
Analyse packaging design products in terms of
the development and realisation of ideas and concepts.
-
Use appropriate creative techniques and thought
processes to realise packaging design.
-
Evaluate their own learning and achievement in
relation to the development process
Through
the completion of the live brief which accompanied this task I was able to meet
the learning outcomes to a very high standard. Taking note of the function,
purpose and aesthetics, I was able to effectively evaluate and analyse what
makes good packaging. As a result I was able to develop and produce a strong
final outcome for a men’s underwear fashion business. When it came to
evaluating my own learning and achievement in relation to the development
process, the use of action plans and skills analysis were implemented. These
significantly improved my organizational skills as well as help my own personal
management of time.
Packaging, before
this module, was an area that I have never explored before. Therefore this unit
provided me with the experience and knowledge of a big area within design,
which turned out to be an aspect of design which I enjoyed and which capitalized
on my strengths. Becoming familiar with another sector within the umbrella of
design allowed me to add another skill to my arsenal as well as expand upon my potential
career possibilities. The use of action plans and skills analysis were also very
beneficial in evaluating my own performance and management – something which I will
continue to use in future projects.
After packaging, the next module intended to
enhance my breadth of knowledge and understanding of advertising through the
study of alternative techniques. With this module its purpose was to extend the
range of techniques and relate them to my own vocational development,
recognising similarities to accepted practice.
-
Select
and develop skills for an alternative technique at an appropriate level.
-
Demonstrate
alternative techniques related to sector requirements at a professional level.
-
Apply
alternative techniques in a relevant context
Unlike previous units this module presented
the opportunity to work with in small teams to complete a professional competition
brief for an award winning organisation - D&AD. This proved beneficial when
it came to the size of the brief as the task in hand was fairly large. Instead
of working with a small clientele the brief chosen involved working for a large
scale organisation with a reputation. This in itself challenged my way of thinking
and also my approach to solving the tasks. It also allowed the opportunity for
myself being a graphic designer to explore the field of advertisement, which
like the previous module was a new and knowledgeable experience.
One of the key experiences I took from this module was working within a
team based environment. It allowed me the opportunity to experience working in collaboration
with other designers and highlighted the importance of communication within the
industry (especially as working with other designers is included in the career
path of a graphic designer). Working on a competition brief was another fresh
experience and a challenge in comparison to previous live brief. With this and
the combined use of advertisement it was a rewarding experience.
Falling under the category of Work Based
Learning, the next module’s primary focus was to demonstrate self-management
skills through a vocationally related experience. Organisation and planning,
developing skills in research and analysis, the diagnosis of problems,
strategies to address problems and presentation techniques were fundamental aspects
of this unit, with the outcome of enhancing future employment skills.
Out of all the modules this unit provided
the opportunities to demonstrate skills and personal qualities in work-based
practices. Unfortunately I was unable to secure a placement at the time
therefore my experience of work was lacking to an extent. However, with the
work on live briefs such as the Keltie Cochrane project this allowed the chance
to develop generic skills, personal qualities and attributes essential for
employment. It allowed me to sample the pace of work which is required to at
industry level as well as the frame of mind needed. In order to maximise opportunities
of employment or self-employment in graphic design at a professional level,
this unit has taught me the need for experience.
In
conclusion, over the course of this year the modules have been a key stepping
stone in shaping me as a designer. It has provided me with the invaluable knowledge
of the skills and experience needed to work at industry level - an example of
this being the ability to utilise Adobe software such as Photoshop, Illustrator
and InDesign to aid in the development of my work. Furthermore my studies have
allowed me to experience the various elements which make up design such as branding,
logo design, editorial, typography, packaging, illustration etc. through the
use of live briefs. Working both as an individual and as a team, the live
briefs have tested my performance and ability to work under the constraints of
a client’s needs - something which in the career of a graphic designer is a fundamental
aspect.
However, whilst I have gained a
considerable amount of knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in
graphic design there is still a lot to be learned. As a student designer I need
to develop my work and myself as an individual as well as learn the correct paths
in order to be able to seek out work. With this in mind I have decided to
continue with my studies on into third year.
Progressing further with my
studies into third year would allow me to improve and build upon my current
skills set, whilst giving me the freedom to explore a more illustrative based
design path, something which I feel is where my true passion lies. It would
also give me the time needed to consider my future career decisions in whether
or not I want to pursue freelance or work within a creative studio. The final deciding
factor for choosing third year has been the need to develop a strong portfolio.
With the design industries increasing daily and the number of student designers
growing, graphic design has become very competitive. Therefore a strong
portfolio is a vital necessity that will not only help me in achieving work but
also allow me to compete against everyone else.
At the end of higher education I
am hoping to have the confidence and skills required to be able market myself
to potential clients, as well as have in my possession a strong and developed
portfolio.
